Friday Favorites: A bunch of feel-good stuff
The day has come. It’s moving day for Dave and me. But for you, hopefully it’s just another fun Friday not full of boxes, stress and duct tape. Regardless of what’s going on in my day, I’ve got a few things to share with you. So let’s get right to it! Ladies and gentlemen, let me present to you this week’s “Friday Favorites.”
My favorite thing I did this week
Yoga. But not your everyday yoga session. Yoga on the Labyrinth, set to live music inside a beautiful and iconic church. You see, in my neighborhood, there is a gorgeous old church on a hill called Grace Cathedral. I’ve been to services at this church with both my Mom and Dave, and it’s the most breathtaking building both inside and out. Months ago I heard about a weekly yoga session held there and finally got around to trying it out this week, my last week living so close by. All I can say is, wow, I should have gone sooner.
Shown above from top left to right: The street view of Grace Cathedral, yogis waiting for the session to begin, two live musicians and the inside of the beautiful church.
This yoga session took place at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday night inside the church’s main atrium. There were hundreds of people already set up in every little crevice of the area when I arrived about ten minutes before start. I was absolutely blown away by the turn-out, and the fact that mats were nearly on top of each other. But this was not a packed and sweaty power class, in fact, it was much more about healing the body, getting centered and opening the heart. We moved slowly, but with purpose. And we took a lot of time to breathe.
The class opened with a welcome by the priest, a dedication by the yoga instructor, Darren Main, and then about an hour of gentle and nurturing yoga, which was just lovely on all accounts. There were two musicians playing some soft music on a harp with a little bit of singing. And there were assistants walking around to help people with form and adjustments. In such a serene setting, with tons of people around and soothing music, this was a fabulous experience. I just loved it. I felt so amazing after all was said and done.
For those of you in the Bay Area who are interested, Yoga on the Labyrinth asks for a donation of $10 to $20 for attendees, and it’s well worth it. Oh and guess what? The team from LUNA Bar was there giving out some samples, so I walked away with some tasty bars as well. Namaste!
My favorite meal of the week
Changing subjects to something less spiritual. Do you guys brunch? You know, go out to a mid-morning meal on Saturdays or Sundays? I have to admit that Dave and I do not brunch. We’re definitely in the minority here in San Francisco, as brunch is a huge deal. However, up until just a few weeks ago, I taught group fitness classes on the weekend mornings, so that usually eliminated my ability to brunch.
Shown above: Dave and me in front of the Bay Bridge after brunch at Epic Roasthouse. Food shown includes sparkling wine and grapefruit mimosas, lamb meatball skewers on tzatziki couscous, warm spinach salad and yellow-tail ceviche with avocado.
However, this past Sunday, Dave and I joined a couple of our friends for an outdoor brunch at Epic Roasthouse on the Bay. It was so wonderful. The weather was perfect, the food was good and so was the company. It felt strange to get up and get ready for a nice meal out so early in the day, but it was definitely worth it. While I don’t think Dave and I will be standing in 90-minute lines for brunch like the rest of the City any time soon, I do think we’d consider going again. And mimosas? Yes, please.
My favorite at-home treat this week
Have you guys heard of Zeel? It’s an on-demand service for same-day or next-day massages in your own home. How cool, right? The folks at Zeel reached out to me to try out the service gratis. Well, I obliged and am so glad I did. It was so easy, and I had a fabulous massage in the privacy of my own little apartment. All you have to do is sign up via an app on your phone, choose the time, whether you want a male or a female licensed masseuse, a Swedish or deep tissue massage and that’s about it.
That’s my masseuse’s shirt. She was so kind as to hold it out so I could get a good photo.
Shortly after booking a service, I received a call from my friendly masseuse confirming my appointment for the next day. On the day of, she arrived fifteen minutes early, with a portable massage table and all the tools we’d need for a massage, including some spa music and scented oils. All I had to do was provide an area for the massage table and two sheets and a pillowcase. Easy enough.
My experience with Zeel was great. I found the app easy to use, I found the customer service excellent and I found my massage just what I needed. I would definitely use this service again. The coolest part to me? Typically, when you go get a massage and you finish up, you’re in a very relaxed zone. You don’t want to re-enter the real world, pay for your service and schlep home, completely erasing your feeling of zen. Therefore, getting a massage at home is perfect. I was not sure what I would think about doing something like this in my tiny apartment, but once you lay down and close your eyes, it seems like a spa. Sure does.
Right now Zeel is available in the Bay Area, New York area, Los Angeles area and South Florida, but they are expanding to new cities soon. And guess what? Zeel is so kind to offer A Lady Goes West readers a chance to sign up and get $25 your first service. You can use this for a one-time massage (normal price is around $110 in the Bay Area) or for a monthly subscription in the Zeelot program (normal price $84 a month in the Bay Area), which also means you get a massage table to keep at your house and reduced massages. Use the promo code: ZeelALGW. And enjoy!
My favorite links of the week
A few things that you may have missed on A Lady Goes West:
- Protein powder, smoothies and workouts — Blue chocolate protein milk-shake smoothie and workouts. Has anyone tried this one yet? I’ve had it five times!
- Group fitness review — Les Mills BODYPUMP 92 review — This one was super popular, thanks to all you Les Mills lovers out there. Consensus? It’s hard.
- Healthy fruits and foods — Are you eating this sweet and satisfying fruit? — I am still loving all of my delicious prune snacks and so is Dave.
- A little bit of everything — This Thursday calls for some Thinking Out Loud — Not much to say about this one, but not every post can be well-done.
I also really enjoyed these great tips on cooking from The Huffington Post, “50 Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks the World Needs to Know.”
Speaking of food, CHECK THIS OUT! Here’s a fun one that I wrote for the Wine Sisterhood blog on how to manage your portions without using a measuring cup: “New Year. New You. Simple portion control tips.”
Okay guys. That’ll do it. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. It’s time to get this move done! See you soon!
Read more Friday Favorites
If you’ve enjoyed browsing through this post, see below for previous editions or visit the the link-up hostesses, Heather, Katie and Clare.
- A snack, a purse and a ritual
- A delivery, a bra and a guy
- A sweet, a wine and a read
- A drink, a gadget and a plan
- A time, a bottle and a powder
- San Francisco edition
- Beauty edition
- Beach vacation edition
- Hidden meanings
- Kicks, a book and a bowl
- The very best sweatshirts
- Party hosting and froyo
- Fourth of July daytime activity
- Beauty basics edition
- Workplace edition
- Shopping, sales and a show
- The foods I always buy
- Sushi, a game and pants
- Fitness apps
- Delicious and healthy products
- Comfort, fitness and function
- Beauty, buddha and blog events
- Dining, the city and gift ideas
- POPSUGAR, sweets and such
- A bunch of fun stuff
- e-book, food, picnic and tunes
- A link, a superfood and a mask
- Pants, shoes, food and links
- Dining, protein and goodies
- Shopping, events and a book
- A gym bag, pumpkin and juices
- Workout gear, a top and a massage
- prAna, a watch, tea and more
- Tasty stuff and gift sales
- Decor, bars, boots and a drink
- Flowers, music and more
- Coqueta, a brush and food
- My people and the holidays
- Beauty, bling and entertainment
- A hodge-podge of goodies
- Just a few special things
- Tasty food, drinks and moving
Questions of the day
What are you up to this weekend? Any plans for the Super Bowl? Do you brunch?
I need to find a Zeel in Phoenix and sign up for it weekly. That’s the coolest service ever. Good luck with the move & happy brunching!
Hi Megan! Thanks. We all need massages some times. The move is done. Hope you’ve had a lovely weekend!
That yoga class sounds like an incredible experience! What an awesome idea. Good luck with your move Ashley and have a great weekend 🙂
Hi Chrissy! Thank you!! Hope you’ve been having a great weekend:)
That yoga class looks like the best thing ever! We have a huge cathedral church downtown that I get goosebumps just thinking about. I can’t imagine doing yoga in there with music playing. Such an experience!
Hi Stacie! I know, it was the coolest yoga class ever! Hope you’ve had a lovely weekend:)
That yoga class looks amazing, how fun! And I love going to brunch, however my husband does not so I usually go with girlfriends. Yay for moving today, I’m sure it will go smoothly. You should reward yourself with some wine tonight!
Hi Marielle! Moving is done! And brunch with girlfriends is always a good way to go too! 🙂 Hope you’ve been having a great weekend!
OMG, a masseuse that comes to your house?? I need one of those. Actually, no, it wouldn’t be relaxing with my two rowdy boys running around 😉
Hi Sue! Yes, it was pretty cool. You’d definitely need to do it during some alone time hehehe. Momma needs her peace and quiet!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend:)
Happy moving day!
Not a superbowl person, I couldn’t even tell you who was playing, I would have to google it.
The husband and I used to brunch when we first got married, now we have 4 kids who go ape crap crazy if they don’t eat first thing when they wake up.
Hi Jen! hahahha. I’m hungry as soon as I wake up to. I actually ate a mini-breakfast before brunch because I couldn’t wait. But yes, brunch with four kiddos may be tough. Happy Friday to you!! 🙂
I love brunches, but WOW 90 minutes!! Those mimosas must have tasted good, haha! I’ve never heard of Zeel, but I want a massage- very neat idea!
Hi Carrie! Luckily, we didn’t have to wait 90 minutes for our brunch, but it’s a VERY common thing here. Crazy foodies in SF! Hope you have a happy Friday. Get yourself a massage. 🙂
Good luck moving today! I hope it all goes smoothly for you guys. 🙂
I LOVE brunch, but we don’t actually go “brunching” often. Every once in awhile, but it’s a rare occasion. I bet there’s some amazing brunch spots in the SF area!
Hi Ash! Thanks! Brunch with a little one may be more difficult! heheh! 🙂 Happy Friday!
That yoga class looks amazing! It must of been incredible to be in such an amazing space. Talk about getting your zen on 🙂
Hi Mattie! Oh I got my zen on alright! Hope you’ve been having a great weekend:)
That yoga class.
That would be the most surreal practice. I can’t even imagine–the lighting, the music, the setting. Truly transcendent! And then a great meal and massage on demand…sign me up! Have a great weekend!
Hi Susie! I know! I want to go back to that class and get another massage right now hehe! Hope you’ve been having a great weekend:)
I could go for a massage right about now! I actually think I am going to schedule one soon before I kick up my running routine. How nice that they come to your home! Happy Friday 🙂
Hi Sara! Thanks! And yes, you totally should get a massage before your running program starts and during it! Hope you’ve had a great weekend! 🙂
Best of luck with the move! It can always be stressful — but just think of how good that glass of wine will feel later 😉
Hi Jane! Oh yes! Moving is done and I enjoyed my wine! Hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend! 🙂
I’ve never heard of Zeel but oh lordy, am I gonna look them up right this second!
Hi Jen! Hope you have it in your city! And of course, hope you’re having a great weekend. 🙂
Love the idea of massage on demand! AND yoga in a church! So cool! I had several mimosas on our honeymoon– so good 🙂
Hi Katie! I bet you did! Hope you’ve had a great weekend:)
ahhhh moving – good luck!! Can’t wait to hear all about the new place. 🙂 Have a great and productive weekend. Thanks for linking up!!
Thanks, Katie! And thanks for hosting!! 🙂
I wish Scott and I did brunch more too! It’s always a nice treat. And an excuse for a mid-day cocktail! 🙂 Hope the move goes smoothly. Love the massage idea!
Hi Lauren! Sure is! And thanks, the move is done. Hope you’ve been having a great weekend!
Good luck with moving! I hope it all goes smoothly today! XOXO
That sounds like one awesome yoga experience! What ambiance!
Thanks, Rebecca! The move is done! Hope you’ve been having a great weekend:)
That yoga class sounds beautiful! Kindof wishing I lived in the Bay Area now 🙂 hope the moving goes well, I know how stressful that can be! Harness that yogic breathing! 🙂
Thanks, Jessica! I needed some yogic breathing this weekend for sure. The move is done! Hope you’ve been having a wonderful weekend:)
Massage-on-demand?? What a genius idea! Happy weekend 🙂
Hi Jess! I know. There are so many things I’d like to have on-demand. hehehe. Hope you’re having a great weekend! 🙂
I don’t have many brunch spots in my town…which is so sad because I WANT TO BRUNCH! Thankfully Seattle is just a hop, skip, and a jump away so if I REALLLYY need to..I can go there.
Hi Brittany! For sure! I’ve never been to Seattle but I have a friend moving there so it’s on my list. Hope you’ve had a fabulous weekend so far! 🙂
That yoga class looks absolutely amazing. It’s definitely not your typical crowded stuffy studio!
I LOVE to brunch with my friends, but we don’t do it as much as we should. This should be a new goal for 2015! MORE BRUNCH!
Hi Tricia! I’m with you — brunching was not on my goal’s list, but it sure would be a nice thing to do more of. 🙂 Hope you have a fabulous week! 🙂